Sealing arrangement for sectional boiler construction

ABSTRACT

An arrangement for sealing the intersectional fluid passages of a sectional boiler. A rigid ring or other member is used to align and retain in position the adjacent boiler sections, while a deformable seal is used to provide a fluidtight seal between the sections.

United States Patent [72] Inventor William C. Arndt Michigan City, Ind.

[21 App]. No. 886,843

[22] Filed Dec. 22, 1969 [45] Patented Dec. 14, 1971 [73] AssigneeWeil-McLain Company Michigan City, Ind.

[54] SEALING ARRANGEMENT FOR SECTIONAL BOILER CONSTRUCTION 8 Claims, 9Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.8. CI 122/231 [51] Int. Cl F22!) 23/00 [50] Field of Search122/231,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 650,694 5/1900 Sheppard122/231 I 3,261,328 7/1966 Mueller 122/225 FOREIGN PATENTS 30,39511/1959 Finland 122/231 Primary Examiner-Edward G. FavorsAttorney-Wolfe, Hubbard, Leydig Voit & Osann ABSTRACT: An arrangementfor sealing the intersectional fluid passages of a sectional boiler. Arigid ring or other member is used to align and retain in position theadjacent boiler sections, while a deformable seal is used to provide afluidtight seal between the sections.

PATENTED um um I SHEEI 1 [IF 2 PATENTED [15814197] 352 30 {War/aw:

SEALING ARRANGEMENT FOR SECTIONAL BOILER CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUNDOF-TI-IE INVENTION N This invention relates generally to sectionalboilers and more particularly to a sealing arrangement for the passageswhich allow the flow of fluid between the sections of the boiler.

In previous boiler constructions having multiple sections, cast iron orsteel nipples has been employed to sealingly join fluid passages betweenboiler sections. Such nipples have been installed so that each end of anipple engages a mating opening in the abutting boiler section. Drawrods or other clamps have been used to draw the boiler sectionstogether, thereby effecting the compression seating of the nipples withthe passage openings in the boiler sections. This arrangement generallyprovided a fluidtight connection between the boiler section opening andthe nipple end and has been used extensively in sectional boilermanufacturing. However, serious difficulties are encountered with sucharrangement. Erection of the boiler is difficult, since it is necessaryto apply as much as 70 to I20 foot-pounds of torque to the draw rods inorder to seat the compression nipples. Moreover, it was often necessaryto assembly the boiler in the boiler factory because of the difficultiesencountered on the job in attempting to align and assemble the boilersections and interconnecting nipples. Further, misalignment of thenipples or draw lugs on sections did not, from a practical standpoint,permit an easy replacement of the sections for repair once a boiler waserected on the job.

It is therefore, the general aim of this invention to provide animproved fluid passage sealing arrangement for adjacent sections in asectional boiler and the like which overcomes the foregoingdisadvantages and eliminates the need for highly stressed compressivesealing utilizing cast nipples between the water passages of the boilersections. The improved sealing arrangement is characterized by itsability to form a reliable seal which can be easily and rapidly appliedwith a minimum of assembly or disassembly efforts.

It is another object of this invention to provide a water passagesealing arrangement which can be assembled or disassembled in the fieldas well as in the factory. It is a related object to provide anintersectional seal for a boiler which is simple, inexpensive andrugged.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a resilient waterpassage sealing arrangement between the sections of a sectional boilerwhich will allow the boiler to be transported readily, and which willprevent misalignment of the sections occuring during transportation.

It is a further object to provide a seal arrangement which allowsassembly of the boiler without highly stressing the boiler assemblybolts used therein, and without necessarily utilizing special tools suchas torque wrenches in the assembly.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a sectional boiler havinginstalled therein an embodiment of this invention,

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view or the comers of typical adjacentsections of the boiler showing the various parts of one embodiment ofthe invention which are to be installed between the boiler sections,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2, showing incross section one embodiment of the novel seal as it is installedbetween adjacent boiler sections,

FIG. 4 is another sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showinganother embodiment of the novel sealing means,

FIG. 5 is still another sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2showing still another embodiment of the sealing means,

FIG. 6 is still another sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2and showing in section still another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 is yet another sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 andshowing in section yet another embodiment of the invention as it isinstalled in the boiler,

F IG. 8 is yet another sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2,and showing still another embodiment of the invention in cross section,the boiler section being shown as only partially drawn together, so asto better illustrate the installation of the invention therebetween, and

FIG. 9 is yet another sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2, butwithout the boiler sections being drawn completely into assembledposition.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, it will be understood that I do not intend tolimit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, I intend tocover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary sectional boiler 10of the type wherein the present invention may be incorporated. Generallysuch boiler sections 11 are fastened together by mechanical devices suchas tie rods 12. The sections 11 are erected and shaped so as to define afire box 13 located centrally thereof in the lowermost portion. For thepurpose of firing the boiler, a forced draft type burner or a naturaldraft fired burner (not shown)may be mounted in place on the front ofthe boiler adjacent the fire box 13. Hot flue gases are produced by aflame in the fire box and the flue gases pass through the boiler to thevertical smoke collar or flue gas outlet 14 which serves to lead thegases to the chim ney.

For the purpose of generating steam or supply heated water to a hotwater system, water is circulated through nipples indicated generally at16 and through heatable fluid passages 17 formed by coring the castingfor each boiler section. For fluid communication therebetween, as may beseen in FIG. 2, each of the sections 11 and 11a are provided withopenings 20 to register with mating openings 21 in the adjacentsections.

In accordance with the invention, annular deformable seal means 22 areinterposed between the sections 11 and Ila in such a manner as tosurround the registering passage openings to prevent the leakage of thefluid flowing between the adjacent sections. As illustrated in FIG. 3and elsewhere the rigid means 23 comprises an annular ring seatablebetween the sections in annular recesses 24 and 25 formed or machined ineach of the adjoining sections around the periphery of the respectivefluid passage. This annular ring may be made of steel or other suitablematerial which will withstand forced imposed by the drawing up of theboiler tie rods 12, which will withstand the pressures and effects ofthe passage of hot water or live steam, and which will withstand thecorrosive effect of the hot flue gases.

For limiting the amount of axial compression in accordance with theinvention, upon the deformable means 22 to a predetermined amount, rigidmeans 23 are interposed between each of the sections. The rigid means isalso arranged and dimensioned for preventing lateral shifting of theadjoining sections 11 and 11a with respect to one another.

In the illustrated forms this annular deformable seal means 22 is anelastomeric seal made from rubber, synthetic rubber compounds such asneoprene, butyl rubber, buna N rubber, butadiene rubber, or variousthermoplastic compounds. Any compound which may be formed into aflexible annular seal, which will deform slightly so as to form apositive fluidtight seal between adjacent boiler sections, and which isrelatively impervious to hot water or steam, may be used. It is alsoadvantageous if the selected compound is not subject to attack by thecorrosive effect of hot flue gases.

It is a feature of the invention that the rigid annular ring acts as aspacer or locater for the seal means 22 when the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 3 is employed. The rigid means 23 allows theboiler sections 11 and 11a to be drawn together into the illustratedpositions when the boiler tie rods are drawn up. In such position,moderate pressure is applied to the flexible seal means 22, so as toprovide a fluidtight seal. Excessive pressure, which can damage theflexible seal means through excessive deformation, is prevented, sincethe rigid annular ring 23 takes up excessive stresses which might beapplied to the seal means 22 without allowing further deformationthereof. It will also be noted that the boiler sections 11 and 11acannot become misaligned with respect to one another while the rigidring 23 is seated within the annular recesses 24 and 25. Still further,it will be seen that the rigid annular ring 23 surrounds the flexibleseal means 22 so as to protect the seal from direct contact with the hotcorrosive flue gases. The seal 22, in turn, prevents the hot water,steam, or other fluid passing between the mating openings 20 and 21 fromcontacting the rigid ring 23 and perhaps leaking therearound.

An alternate embodiment encompassing the scope of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 4. Here, the annular deformable seal means includessealing rings 30 and 31 located in respective grooves 32 and 33 formedor machined in each section 11 and 11a. For the purpose of exertingsealing pressure upon the sealing rings 30 and 31, and also to preventskewing misalignment of the adjacent sections 11 and 11a, the rigidspacing means includes a rigid annular ring 34 located between the sealrings 30 and 31 in each section in such a manner as to abut a portion ofthe peripheries 35 and 36 of each groove 32 and 33, respectively. Toproperly axially space the various parts so as to prevent excessivedeformation and resultant improper sealing, abutting rigid pads 37 and38 are formed or machined on the sections 11 and 110, respectively,adjacent the grooves.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the rigid meanscomprises an annular ring 40 seatable between the sections 11 and 11a inan annular recess 41 and 42 formed in each said adjoining section aroundthe periphery of the respective fluid passages 20 and 21. For protectionagainst the action of flue gases, the annular deformable means 43 islocated inside the rigid annular ring 40.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, in FIG. the rigid meanscomprises at least one pin member 50. The pin 50 is formed for insertioninto sockets 51 and 52 formed in the adjacent boiler sections 11 and 11arespectively. To provide proper alignment and spacing of the sections,other pins may be located elsewhere between the adjacent boilersections, such as, for example, at the site of other header waterpassage openings between the same adjacent boiler sections. In thisillustration, the flexible sealing means takes the form of an annularseal ring 53, which is seated in the grooves 54 and 55 provided in theadjacent boiler sections.

Still another embodiment included within the invention is shown in FIG.7, wherein the annular deformable seal means comprises setable plasticsealant 60. This sealant may be poured or formed within recesses 61 and62 formed in the adjacent boiler sections 11 and 110, respectively. Toform the deformable seal means, and to provide a fluidtight seal, thesealant 60 is introduced and is there allowed to set or form, in situ.

Any thermoplastic material which will adequately withstand the pressuresand effects of the fluid within the boiler sections as well as the fluegases passing thereover, may be used. In order to axially space theboiler sections 11 and 11a and to prevent skewing movement therebetween,the rigid means include abutting rigid pads 63 and 64 formed on theadjacent boiler sections 11 and 11a, respectively, and a rigid annularring 65.

To provide complete reversibility of sections and consequent ease ofboiler erection, it will be noted that each of the mating faces 11 and11a in each of the embodiments thus far discussed, are identicallyformed.

A slightly modified embodiment of the inventionis illustrated in FIG. 8.In order to prevent relative motion between the boiler sections 11 and11a in this embodiment, a nipple portion 70 is formed on one section 11aand a recessed por tion 71 is formed upon another section 11 forreceiving and preventing relative lateral motion of the protrudingnipple portion 70. When drawn together, it will be understood that arelatively continuous contact is made between the adjacent boilersections. For the purpose of providing the fluidtight seal, the annularflexible seal member 72 is provided. To provide the proper axial spacingof the boiler sections, abutting rigid pad portions 73 and 74 are formedon the adjacent boiler sections.

A somewhat similar version of the embodiment discussed immediately abovewill be found in FIG. 9.

To provide an added measure of protection from the hot fluids inside theboiler sections and the corrosive flue gases passing thereover, the sealis offset slightly from the general interface of the sections 11 and11a. It will be understood that the general arrangement of a protrudingnipple 81, a recessed portion 82, and abutting rigid pad portions 83 and84 are also provided, and function as described above to provide a tightboiler seal which can be easily assembled and which is not susceptibleto misalignment and leaking.

Although described primarily in connection with and generally intendedfor use in sectional boilers, it will also be understood that thepresent invention will also find usefulness when employed in radiatorsand other heat-exchanging apparatus having sectional members.

I claim:

1. For use with a boiler erected from a plurality of sections, eachsection being formed with at least one heatable fluid passage therein,the passage having at least one opening adapted to register with amating opening in an adjacent section for fluid communicationtherebetween,

the combination therewith of annular deformable seal means interposedbetween the sections and surrounding the said registering fluid passageopenings to prevent the leakage of the fluid flowing between adjacentsections,

recess means formed on at least one of the sections, and

rigid means interposed between each of the sections for limiting theamount of axial compression upon deformable means to a predeterminedamount, said rigid means engaging said recess means for preventinglateral shifting of the sections with respect to one another.

2. A sectional boiler sealing arrangement according to claim 1, whereinsaid recess means includes an annular recess formed in adjacent sectionsaround the periphery of the respective fluid passage.

3. A sectional boiler sealing arrangement according to claim 1 whereinsaid annular deformable seal means includes at least one sealing ringlocated in a groove formed in each said section,

and said rigid spacing means includes a rigid annular ring locatedbetween the seal rings in each section and abutting a portion of aperiphery of each groove, and abutting rigid pads formed on the sectionsadjacent the grooves.

4. A device according to claim 1 where said rigid means comprises atleast one pin member for insertion into sockets formed in adjacentboiler sections.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said annular deformable sealmeans comprises plastic sealant, setable in situ to form the deformableseal means,

and said rigid means includes abutting rigid pads formed on the adjacentboiler sections and a rigid annular ring, the seal means and the ringbeing located within matching grooves formed upon said boiler section.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said rigid means includesabutting rigid pads formed on the adjacent boiler sections, a nippleportion formed on one section and a recessed portion formed upon anothersection for receiving and preventing relative lateral motion of theprotruding nipple portion.

7. For use with a boiler having a plurality of sections, each sectionbeing formed for the passage of hot gas thereover, with at least onefluid passage therein, the passage having at least one opening forconnection to a mating opening in an adjacent section for fluidcommunication therebetween, the combination therewith of,

seal locating means, annular deformable seal means for seating in theseal locating means about the periphery of the mating openings,

recess means formed on at least one ofthe sections, and more than apredefined amount of axial force from being applied to the seal meansand engaging the recess means for radially aligning the seal locatingmeans, thereby preventing radial shear force from being applied to theseal means,

8. For use with a boiler having a plurality of sections, each sectionbeing formed for the passage of hot gas thereover, with at least oneheatable fluid passage therein, the passage having at least one openingfor connection to a mating opening in an adjacent section for fluidcommunication therebetween, the combination of,

annular seal locating means about the periphery of the passage opening,annular deformable seal means for seating in the seal locating meansabout the periphery of the mating openings, and for preventing theleakage of water out of the passage. or hot gas into the passage, recessmeans formed on at least one of the sections, and rigid spacing meansfor axially spacing apart the locating means, thereby preventing morethan a predefined amount of axial force from being applied to the sealmeans and engaging the recess means for radially aligning the seallocating means, thereby preventing radial shear force from being appliedto the seal means.

l i l 3 ,626,908 December 14, 1971 Patent No. Dated Invent William C.Arndt It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 7, line 10, after "and" insert rigid spacing means for axiallyspacing apart the locating means, thereby preventing Signed and sealedthis 23rd day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents FORM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-DC 50376-PG9 UAS. GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE 1969 0-366-334

1. For use with a boiler erected from a plurality of sections, eachsection being formed with at least one heatable fluid passage therein,the passage having at least one opening adapted to register with amating opening in an adjacent section for fluid communicationtherebetween, the combination therewith of annular deformable seal meansinterposed between the sections and surrounding the said registeringfluid passage openings to prevent the leakage of the fluid flowingbetween adjacent sections, recess means formed on at least one of thesections, and rigid means interposed between each of the sections forlimiting the amount of axial compression upon deformable means to apredetermined amount, said rigid means engaging said recess means forpreventing lateral shifting of the sections with respect to one another.2. A sectional boiler sealing arrangement according to claim 1, whereinsaid recess means includes an annular recess formed in adjacent sectionsaround the periphery of the respective fluid passage.
 3. A sectionalboiler sealing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said annulardeformable seal means includes at least one sealing ring located in agroove formed in each said section, and said rigid spacing meansincludes a rigid annular ring located between the seal rings in eachsection and abutting a portion of a periphery of each groove, andabutting riGid pads formed on the sections adjacent the grooves.
 4. Adevice according to claim 1 where said rigid means comprises at leastone pin member for insertion into sockets formed in adjacent boilersections.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said annulardeformable seal means comprises plastic sealant, setable in situ to formthe deformable seal means, and said rigid means includes abutting rigidpads formed on the adjacent boiler sections and a rigid annular ring,the seal means and the ring being located within matching grooves formedupon said boiler section.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidrigid means includes abutting rigid pads formed on the adjacent boilersections, a nipple portion formed on one section and a recessed portionformed upon another section for receiving and preventing relativelateral motion of the protruding nipple portion.
 7. For use with aboiler having a plurality of sections, each section being formed for thepassage of hot gas thereover, with at least one fluid passage therein,the passage having at least one opening for connection to a matingopening in an adjacent section for fluid communication therebetween, thecombination therewith of, seal locating means, annular deformable sealmeans for seating in the seal locating means about the periphery of themating openings, recess means formed on at least one of the sections,and rigid means for axially spacing apart the locating means, therebypreventing more than a predefined amount of axial force from beingapplied to the seal means and engaging the recess means for radiallyaligning the seal locating means, thereby preventing radial shear forcefrom being applied to the seal means.
 8. For use with a boiler having aplurality of sections, each section being formed for the passage of hotgas thereover, with at least one heatable fluid passage therein, thepassage having at least one opening for connection to a mating openingin an adjacent section for fluid communication therebetween, thecombination of, annular seal locating means about the periphery of thepassage opening, annular deformable seal means for seating in the seallocating means about the periphery of the mating openings, and forpreventing the leakage of water out of the passage, or hot gas into thepassage, recess means formed on at least one of the sections, and rigidspacing means for axially spacing apart the locating means, therebypreventing more than a predefined amount of axial force from beingapplied to the seal means and engaging the recess means for radiallyaligning the seal locating means, thereby preventing radial shear forcefrom being applied to the seal means.